This was one of the first books I read in 2015, and it really set the tone for my year. As a natural people-pleaser, I had always struggled with saying “yes” to things I didn’t necessarily want to do just to please other people.

2015 was a year of me choosing the BEST YES, and this book definitely set me out on the right track for that.

This book wasn’t at all what I had imagined when I bought it, but it quickly became a page turner for me, nonetheless!

In this book, Bonnie Gray takes readers on a journey of her spiritual healing while giving them a blueprint for healing of their own.

What I loved most about this book was that the start of each chapter was memoir and read like a novel, before Gray led readers into the practical application in the meat of each chapter. The memoir component kept me reading because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next in Bonnie’s story.

I subscribe to several Kindle deals newsletters, like the one from eReaderGirl.com and Modern Mrs. Darcy, so I always have fresh books ready to be read on my Kindle.

I’m not sure how long Crazy Busy had been on my Kindle, but it found me at the perfect time–during what I now see as an extremely pivotal point in my entire year.

While in Costa Rica, God really convinced me of how busy I had been with so much that didn’t have eternal significance. There, He really drew me to Himself in ways that I hadn’t experienced in years. I came home a whole new wife, mom, business owner, and writer.

Then, I stumbled upon Crazy Busy because we were on the 10-day leg of our 5-week trip with NO internet, so I couldn’t download anything new on my Kindle Paperwhite (my preferred Kindle version now), and I had to rely on reading something already downloaded on my Kindle Fire.

I devoured Crazy Busyin about a day’s time, and the message of this book continues to resonate with me six months later.

If you’re tired of the crazy busy life our culture often dictates, this book is a must-read.

This was the first audio book I had ever listened to, but it quickly drew me in. I found myself wanting to hop in my mini van and drive all over town just to listen to it!

While there are definitely parts of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Upthat are a little “woo woo” and honestly made me stop and pray for the author, the good, many practical applications from this book far, far outweigh any bad.

This book not only motivated me to dig deep into my home and ask myself the question “Does this spark joy?” for the objects that often clutter up my life, but it also motivated my children. They learned a lot from the book just by listening to it with me in the car!

I’ve become a huge Jeff Goins fans over the years, mostly via his blog and podcast.

I read several books of his this year, and while I loved his newest one, Art of Work, his very first book, Wrecked made the biggest impression on me.

Wrecked was the perfect book to read after my family’s recent 5-week trip to Costa Rica. Young people looking to go on an adventure and make some kind of difference need to read this book. And anyone stuck in the suburban American dream mindset needs to read this book as well.

I didn’t know if I was going to like this book at first. Honestly, I had read some other writing books this year that had proven sub-par.

I cannot even put into words how good this book was. Warning: there is some bad language. It took me until part 3 to really get into this book, but I absolutely LOVE Lamott’s vulnerable writing style. Every aspiring writer needs to read this book.

If anyone is caught in the busyness cycle that our American culture often dictates, this book is a must-read.

This book reminded me a lot of the message in The Best Yes, but Alli’s voice and story are unique.

She comes across as very down-to-earth and relatable, and her message both inspires and convicts–with grace. I underlined and made notes all over this book. It is one that I will go back to again and again.

Reader Interactions

17 Comments

1. What Woman Fear by Angie Smith
2. The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst
3. Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (This one was incredible, I finished it in one sitting. Be warned, you’ll need tissues.)
4. Women are Scarey by Melanie Dale
5. Money Making Mom by Crystal Paine
6. Hands Free Life by Rachel Macy Stafford
7. Still Alice by Lisa Genova
8. Hot Mama by Kathi Lipp and Erin MacPherson
9. For The Love by Jen Hatmaker
10. The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts

I just started Life Changing Magic and am really enjoying it. I’m ready to start simplifying! I’ve added some of these to my reading list this year, too. As for my favorite book of 2015? It was “The Fringe Hours” and I’ll be reading it again this year. It spoke to my heart in a way that few books do.

Erin!!!!! (We met through Wil; I’m MARIE, one of his buddies from his Northwest days 🙂 )
I’ll confess now– I haven’t finished reading your post because I was just too excited to see that you read North and South!!!! I became a Gaskell girl after I watched the series Cranford, which is based on 3 of her books. If you haven’t seen/read it, then you may want to add it to your 2016 “must read” list for:)

Hi Marie! Ok–I MUST need to read/watch Cranford b/c I keep on hearing about it! I loved North and South so, so much! AND…I just found out that Carson from Downton Abbey (and his real-life wife) are in the mini series of Cranford?! I think that one might be a good one for me to save to watch after Downton ends!

So, I’m back. I just looked at your post again and, oh my word, Bird by Bird is just SOOOOO good, too. I’m not quite finished with it; it’s on my nightstand along with about six other books I’m reading right now. (reading one-at-a-time is so hard for me.) Also, my phone died while I was trying to leave my other comment, so I did not get to fix a typo that is REALLY bugging me….. I absolutely know that “Will” isn’t spelled with just one “L” :-/

Isn’t it, though?! It took me a while to get into, but, seriously, once part 3 hits, I was in love with that book!! I had it on eBook loan from the library, but it’s honestly once I might even consider getting and reading again. My nightstand is a HOT mess; there are SO many books on it! LOL

I agree–Goodreads has been a great motivator for me! And I love that when I’m wondering what to read next, I can just check out my list on Goodreads for some ideas. And I’m with you–North & South just might be better than P&P. I really love the depth and complexity of the characters. I need to put together my favorites list from 2015 as well.

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Grace-Filled,Healthy Homemaking

I’m Erin. Follower of Jesus. Wife to Will. Mommy to a lovely trio of redheaded girls and one sweet baby boy. Professional dreamer. Drinker of chai tea and peppermint mochas. Recovering overwhelmed homemaker. I’m here to encourage, educate, and empower you to live a grace-filled, natural life. Won’t you join me?